LIFELONG LEARNING OF GEOMATICS AND GEOINFORMATICS Otakar Čerba, Karel Charvát, Karel Jedlička, Jakub Šilhavý Ing. et Mgr. Otakar Čerba, Ph.D. University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Czech Republic Univerzitni 8, Plzen, 306 14 +420 604 475 601 +420 377 632 602 cerba@kma.zcu.cz RNDr. Karel Charvát Czech Center for Science and Society, Czech Republic Radlická 28, Praha 5 +420 605 033 596 +420 281 973 501 charvat@ccss.cz Ing. Karel Jedlička, Ph.D. University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Czech Republic Univerzitni 8, Plzen, 306 14 +420 605 511 629 +420 377 632 680 smrcek@kma.zcu.cz Ing. Jakub Šilhavý University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Czech Republic Univerzitni 8, Plzen, 306 14 +420 604 475 601 +420 377 632 602 jsilhavy@kma.zcu.cz Abstract The paper “Lifelong Learning of Geomatics and Geoinformatics” introduces and summarize the educational activities in the field of geomatics and geoinformatics. Most of the described activities are realized in the cooperation of the Section of Geomatics of Department of mathematics in the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Czech Republic and Czech Center of Science and Society (CCSS). The educational portfolio of both institutes is very large, but in the paper we would like to focus just on lifelong learning that represents the very important part of educational process. It is related above all to the rapid technological development, changes in legislation, globalisation and ageing of population. The target of lifelong learning is not only to transmit a necessary knowledge but to provide a possibility to obtain competences (as a balanced combination of skills and knowledge) and vocational qualification to particular position. Both partners tries to combine all types of education (such as e-learning, training, classes) as well as various technologies (such as multimedia, geoinformation technologies, Web 2.0 tools and social media). The programme of particular courses comes of effective combination of top-down approach (requirements of educators) and bottom-up approach (requirements of clients – learners and their employers). Many of activities presented in the paper has been realized and tested in international projects like SDI-EDU, Habitats or CentraLab. The paper is divided to several sections describing general view of lifelong learning, examples of particular activities including technological background and conclusion including lessons learnt, future steps and intentions.